Io Shirai Is Leaving Stardom, Signs Deal with WWE

Io Shirai is reported to be leaving Japanese women’s promotion Stardom next month for the WWE, according to Tokyo Sports.

Tokyo Sports reported in Monday’s newspaper that Shirai has recently agreed to a deal with the WWE and will be leaving Stardom after their June 17th event at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported sources close to Shirai have confirmed Tokyo Sports’ story.

Meltzer reported WWE has been interested in signing Shirai since October 2016 when they started scouting talent for last year’s Mae Young Classic tournament, which also included then Stardom star Kairi Hojo. Both Shirai and Hojo went back-and-forth on making a decision due to WWE offering less money than they were making in Stardom but as a tradeoff, provided higher worldwide exposure for their careers. Meltzer also reported Shirai did agree to a deal with the WWE last May but the offer was pulled by the WWE due to their concerns over heart related issues discovered during her medical tests last June.

Stardom president Rossi Ogawa released an official statement on Twitter confirming Shirai’s departure and stated more details will be revealed at a later date.

Meltzer also reported WWE has been contacting other talent from Stardom for this year’s Mae Young Classic tournament causing Stardom to make changes to their plans for this year’s Five-Star tournament due to several originally planned stars now being unable to compete in it.

Source: Tokyo Sports, Wrestling Observer